Paraphrenia

Doctors Listing

Symptoms

False belief of being persecuted, more specifically they believe that they are currently being harmed or that someone has the intention to cause harm

False belief that that people/animals can pass through a structure that would normally constitute a barrier

Seeing or hearing things that are unreal

These symptoms can be very distressing for both the older adult and their caregivers. It is important to check if there is any truth in what the person is saying

Treatment

Medication such as antipsychotics are given to reduce these unusual experiences and facilitate recovery of the older adult. Often, an important component of care is to reduce social isolation and improve the level of community engagement of these individuals through befriending services, eldercare centres, activity groups etc.